10 German Christmas Traditions That Make the Holidays Extra Magical
Christmas really is “the most wonderful time of the year,” and I can’t help but get giddy as soon as the weather turns chilly. The lights, the food, the family time… it’s truly magical. Growing up in a family with deep German roots, I’ve always noticed that our holiday season blends both German and American Christmas traditions, sometimes in funny little ways.
Over the years I’ve realized how many small differences there are between the two cultures, from how we decorate to when we open presents. So grab a mug of Glühwein (or hot cocoa, no judgment) and let’s unwrap some of my favorite Christmas traditions from both sides of the Atlantic.
Advent Wreaths (Adventskranz)
While Advent wreaths aren’t a big deal in most American homes, especially in non-practicing Christian homes, they’re a beloved part of German Christmas culture. This tradition started with the Lutherans back in the 16th century.
A true Adventskranz is made of fresh pine branches, four wide candles, and little touches like berries or dried flowers. Every Sunday leading up to Christmas, families light one more candle, often gathering to sip tea, eat cookies, and sing Advent songs. In Germany, this cozy time is called Adventszeit (Advent time), and it’s as much about slowing down as it is about counting down.
In our house, even though we’re stateside, I love the ideas of having a wreath on the table. It brings that warm German feeling into our home and reminds me to pause, breathe, and enjoy the season instead of racing through it.
While an advent wreath is not as common in the States, especially in non-practicing Christian homes, it is an important part of German Christmas traditions that was started by Lutherans back in the 16th century. Advent wreaths are typically made from real pine branches, 4 wide candles and some small decorations (like berries, dried flowers, etc.). It can be bought in a store but many families make them from scratch and decorate them as a family. The candles are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. This period of time is called Adventszeit (advent time). Families usually gather around the advent wreath (which is placed on a table), have some time together while drinking tea, having desserts, and chatting. Children usually sing advent songs (both at home and in school).
Advent Calendars
Now this one has definitely made its way across the ocean. I’ve had an Advent calendar every year since I can remember. Whether it’s the chocolate kind, one filled with little toys, or the very adult versions with wine or craft beer (genius, honestly), the tradition of opening one window a day never loses its magic.
In Germany, Advent calendars are a huge deal. Kids get beautifully crafted ones with tiny gifts or stories each day. It’s such a simple but joyful way to build anticipation and celebrate the season.
Growing up we got the cardboard Advent calendars with little chocolates inside (usually from Aldi) and my kids still use those today. Last year my mother-in-law found a fun one that was Nightmare Before Christmas themed for my kids and they loved it. This German tradition has clearly made a cultural impact here in the US.
German Christmas Cookies
Let’s talk cookies, because this part is serious business.
When you say “Christmas cookie” in America, you probably think gingerbread men or frosted sugar cookies. In Germany, it’s a full baking wonderland. Families make Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Vanillekipferl (vanilla crescents), marzipan cookies, almond cookies, and so many more. Each region, and honestly each Oma, has her own special recipe.
If you want to bake like a true German, check out my post on traditional German Christmas cookies with some of my favorite recipes. Fair warning… your house will smell amazing.
In our family, making Swiss Christmas cookies is a yearly tradition that my husband does with the kids. He takes our the cookbook with all our post-its, edits and they bake away! It's very sweet and I'm happy to be the clean up crew for the day.
St. Nikolaus Day and Krampus
December 6th might not mean much in the U.S., but in Germany, it’s a big day. St. Nikolaus Day (or Sankt Nikolaus Tag) is when kids leave their polished shoes outside their doors at night, hoping to find them filled with sweets, fruit, or small gifts in the morning.
But not every child gets chocolates. Some get a visit from Krampus or Knecht Ruprecht, the wild, shadowy figure who brings switches and coal to those who’ve misbehaved. It’s that perfect mix of festive and frightening that Germans do so well. Krampus' popularity has risen in the past few years and if you're looking to learn more, check out this blog post.
If you’re into the mischievous side of the season, take a peek at our Krampus Collection. Even the naughty deserve something nice.
Real Trees, Always
In America, it’s not unusual to see fake Christmas trees going up in early November… sometimes even October. In Germany, though, real Christmas trees are still the norm, and they don’t go up until December 24th, Christmas Eve.
Families spend the day decorating together, and that’s part of the magic. It also explains why Advent wreaths are so popular. You still get that pine smell and cozy glow all month long.
This tradition of putting ornaments on the tree is one that we love in our house. Each year we slowly unwrap each one and we get to relive the memory that comes with it. Some are from our travels, others are handmade from Etsy and others are little dixie cups with bells, yarn and glitter that were made in 1997... we love them all and enjoy putting any new creations on each year.
Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte)
If you’ve ever been to a German Christmas market, you know there’s nothing quite like it. Wooden stalls, glowing lights, the smell of roasted almonds and mulled wine… it’s basically Christmas heaven. Not surprisingly, they always appear in the Best Christmas Markets rankings.
In the U.S., we have smaller pop-up markets or local craft fairs, but in places like Chicago, we’re lucky enough to have a true Christkindlmarkt downtown. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing without hopping on a plane.
These markets are my happy place, full of nostalgia, tradition, and sparkle. If you’ve never been, check your area. There’s probably one near you waiting to fill your mug with Glühwein.
Christkind vs. Santa Claus
American kids wait for Santa, the jolly man in red who eats cookies and slides down chimneys. But in Germany, the one who brings gifts is the Christkind (literally “Christ Child”).
Interestingly, Christkind isn’t a baby Jesus figure. She’s usually portrayed as a young, angelic girl with golden curls, wings, and a crown. She quietly brings presents on Christmas Eve while the kids are distracted or out of the room. It’s such a sweet and magical twist on the Santa story.
Christmas Eve vs. Christmas Day
Speaking of Christmas Eve… in Germany, that’s when all the action happens. Families attend church, have dinner, and open presents on December 24th. The 25th and 26th are national holidays, perfect for relaxing, visiting family, or eating leftovers.
In America, we stretch things out with the big Christmas morning excitement, but the German way has its own charm. There’s something special about celebrating late into the evening with candles flickering and a real sense of calm.
Do you want to add Christmas vibe to your dirndl? Click here to order holiday apron.
German Christmas Food
Food is love, and nowhere is that truer than during the holidays.
American Christmas dinners usually come from British traditions, with roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, and root veggies. Germans, on the other hand, go for roast goose or carp, red cabbage, and crispy potatoes. Dessert is where things really shine. Stollen — a rich bread filled with nuts, fruit, and marzipan — is the star of the show.
The famous Dresdner Stollen is legendary and available in many German bakeries and even some U.S. stores. If you’ve only ever had American fruitcake, give Stollen a try. You might become a convert.
The Christmas Pickle Mystery
Ah, the famous “German Christmas pickle.”
Americans love to hang a shiny green pickle ornament on the tree and say it’s a German tradition, but here’s the funny part… most Germans have never heard of it. It might be one of those charming myths that just feels German.
I actually tried to uncover the truth in this post about the Christmas pickle, and let’s just say the story takes a few turns. Whether it’s authentic or not, it’s a cute addition to the holiday tree and always gets people talking.
Looking for more interesting German Christmas info? Check out this video from Feli from Germany:
Wrapping It All Up
Whether you celebrate with Santa or Christkind, fake trees or real pine, cookies or Lebkuchen, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Christmas. What I love most about blending German and American traditions is how it reminds me that the holidays are all about connection… to our roots, our families, and each other.
And if you want to sprinkle a little German spirit into your holiday look, check out our entire Holiday Collection!
Sources:
https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/advent.shtml
https://germanfoods.org/german-food-facts/german-christmas-traditions/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/a33969476/german-christmas-traditions/
https://germangirlinamerica.com/who-is-knecht-ruprecht/
https://www.theomaway.com/desserts/traditional-german-christmas-cookies-recipes/
https://www.toptravelsights.com/traditional-german-christmas-cookies/
https://happytowander.com/german-christmas-market-food-drinks-you-need-to-try-this-winter/
Comments
Bob Ewald said:
My dad’s family was from Bavaria – they were there as far back as at least the 1700s from what I can find. Anyway, he was first generation here and we did a little over half of these as did many of my friends even if they were not German. My dad told me about some of the others that my non-
German mom didn’t go for (lol). With my wife & children, we do close to half and we thoroughly enjoy them. Thanks for this post, great reminders!